Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pet Bearded Dragons

iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- An investigation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked a multi-state outbreak of salmonella infections to contact with pet bearded dragons.

A total of 132 people in 31 states have been infected with the strain of Salmonella Cotham since February 2012, according to the CDC. More than half of those ill are children 5 years old or younger, and 42 percent of those affected have been hospitalized.

There have been no deaths reported, though out of three people tested, one was resistant to antibiotics used to treat serious salmonella infections.

The pet bearded dragons were purchased from multiple stores in different states. On January 22, 2014, the CDC was notified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services of a cluster of infections connected to those exposed to pet reptiles. Twelve people in the state have been sickened by the particular salmonella strain, and 10 of those reported contact with bearded dragons.

As of April 21, California hosts the greatest number of residents infected by the outbreak, with 21 people. The pet industry is working with the CDC to determine the source of the bearded dragons in question, and the investigation is ongoing. The health agency advises pet reptile owners to wash their hands regularly and ensure the animals are kept away from areas where food is prepared or stored.